Half of drivers in Britain say illegal parking on double yellow lines is a "significant problem" where they live, according to a large survey by the AA that found growing frustration with motorists who flout parking rules.
The poll of almost 15,000 drivers found 51% described parking on double yellow lines as a serious issue in their area, while about a third said it was not a very serious problem and 11% said it was not a problem at all. The AA also reported that 6% of respondents admitted to parking illegally on double yellow lines.
Regional differences were evident. Drivers in the West Midlands and the North West of England expressed the highest levels of concern, with 55% identifying illegal double-yellow-line parking as a serious issue, while only 47% of drivers in Eastern England said the same. Age was also a factor: 57% of respondents aged 25 to 34 viewed the practice as a serious issue, compared with a plurality of drivers over 65 who did not see it as serious. The AA noted the greater use of Blue Badges among older drivers could affect perceptions, since badge holders in England and Wales may park on double yellow lines for up to three hours provided they are not causing an obstruction.
Under the Highway Code, double yellow lines indicate that parking or waiting is not permitted at any time. The AA said the study highlighted the gap between the clarity of the rules and public understanding and behaviour, with some motorists offering explanations such as being unaware of restrictions or believing it was safe to park.
The motoring group urged councils to adopt a localised response combining clearer signage, consistent enforcement and public education to tackle the problem. "Parking on double yellow lines is illegal for a reason — it’s there to protect visibility, access, and safety for everyone using the road," said Jack Cousens, the AA's head of roads policy. "In cities, it can block emergency vehicles, delay buses, and put pedestrians at risk. In quieter areas, it may not seem as urgent, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless."
Traffic-safety advocates and local authorities point to immediate safety and access consequences when motorists ignore double yellow lines. Illegally parked vehicles can obstruct sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, force pedestrians including those with prams or mobility aids into the roadway, impede buses and delivery vehicles, and delay emergency services. Larger vehicles may be forced to idle or reroute, contributing to congestion and pollution.
Since parking enforcement for many areas was decriminalised and transferred from police to local councils in recent years, enforcement practices have varied across the country. The AA said the move meant councils could reclaim enforcement powers but noted that inconsistent enforcement can foster a "cycle of disregard" in some communities, where perceived impunity encourages further rule-breaking.
The AA recommended clearer signage in problem areas and stepped-up education campaigns to reduce ignorance of the rules, alongside targeted enforcement to deter repeat offenders. Councils have the power to issue penalty charge notices for civil parking contraventions, but enforcement resource levels and priorities differ by authority.
The double-yellow-lines survey arrives amid wider debate about pavement parking. A separate poll published earlier this month found strong public support for a nationwide ban on parking on pavements. The RAC's informal panel of 1,703 drivers reported that 83% wanted ministers to crack down on drivers who park with wheels on the kerb. A Daily Mail reader poll of about 2,700 respondents showed 70% backing an outright ban. Currently, pavement parking is illegal in London and Scotland but not across the rest of the UK.
The AA's findings add to calls for clearer, more consistent local policies that reflect community needs and protect vulnerable road users. The organisation said that combining improved signage, consistent enforcement and better public information would be the most effective way to reduce dangerous and inconsiderate parking while restoring trust within affected neighbourhoods.